A Hidden Health Risk
隱藏的健康風險
— English reading, B2
文章
Loneliness is often seen as a problem of old age, but surveys show that young adults report feeling lonely just as often. Doctors are now treating it as a serious health issue.
孤獨常被當作老年人的問題，但調查顯示，年輕人感到孤獨的頻率其實一樣高。醫生現在把它當成嚴重的健康問題來看待。
Studies suggest that long-term loneliness can be as harmful as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. It increases the risk of heart disease and depression.
研究顯示，長期的孤獨可能和每天抽十五根菸一樣有害。它會提高心臟病和憂鬱症的風險。
In the United Kingdom, some doctors now prescribe social activities instead of medicine. Patients might be sent to a gardening group, a choir or a walking club.
在英國，有些醫生現在會開「社交活動」而不是藥物的處方。病人可能會被轉介去參加園藝團體、合唱團或健走社。
Early results are encouraging, with many patients visiting their doctor less often.
初步結果令人鼓舞，許多病人看醫生的次數變少了。
生詞
loneliness 孤獨
survey 調查
treat 看待；治療
harmful 有害的
depression 憂鬱症
prescribe 開（處方）
choir 合唱團
encouraging 令人鼓舞的